The painting of a sailboat had been donated to Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee in January. Twice Goodwill auctioned the painting, and twice Newcomb Art Gallery was outbid. But both times the winning bidder failed to come forward to claim the painting. Instead of attempting a third online auction, Goodwill representatives contacted Newcomb Gallery directly, and the deal was struck.

Newcomb Gallery director Charles Lovell said the painting will be an important addition to the gallery's permanent collection and that the letter from Woodward affixed to its back "enhanced its historical value." Lovell is unsure when the painting will be put on public display. The impressionistic seascape, about the size of a legal pad, was painted at the Port of Capri during Woodward's European travels, and displayed at the Pan-American Exposition at San Francisco in 1915, where the price was $75.

Courtesy of Goodwill Industries of Middle TennesseeWoodward's inscription, affixed to the painting's back.